Tamil Fringe Group Burns Rajinikanth's Effigy, Protests Against His Alleged Entry Into Politics

The protesters reportedly said that the actor is from Karnataka and therefore should not enter Tamil Nadu politics.

Members of Tamil Munnetra Padai stage a demonstration around superstar Rajinikanth’s house in the locality of Poes Garden in Chennai on May 22, 2017.

CHENNAI -- Activists of a Tamil fringe group on Monday staged protests near actor Rajinikanth's residence at Poes Garden here over indications the veteran actor could make his political debut.

Police deployed a large number of security personnel near his residence after the protest announcement by the Tamizhar Munnetra Padai group.

The police have set up barricades on the roads leading to his residence. Vehicles were allowed only after proper checking.

Police stopped the activists from trying to march to the actor's residence.

"Following reports that members of a fringe group were planning to protest in front of Rajinikanth's house, we requested for police protection. Everything is under control as of now," a source close to Rajinikanth told IANS.

One of the protesters said Rajinikanth is from Karnataka and should not enter Tamil Nadu politics.

The protest comes after Rajinikanth, while addressing his fan club members here last week, had hinted about his political aspirations. The actor was criticised over his not being a Tamilian.